From 8–10 September 2025, representatives from the Southern Regional Assembly took part in the third interregional study visit of the Interreg Europe PROXIMITIES project, hosted by Riga Planning Region.
The Southern Regional Assembly was represented by Áine Whelan and Lorraine Barron from the EU Projects team, joined by Jason Taylor from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, a member of the Southern Region’s PROXIMITIES Regional Stakeholder Group. Together, they joined project partners from across Europe to explore how Riga is addressing the challenges and opportunities of peripheral urban territories.
The three-day programme combined presentations, peer exchange, and site visits to local neighbourhoods, focusing on three inspiring good practices:
- Neighbourhood centre development (Ķengarags and Dārziņi masterplans): Riga is strengthening local identity and accessibility by improving pedestrian and cycling links, revitalising key streets, and creating new community spaces in suburban areas.
- Vidzeme Market: A historic marketplace undergoing regeneration to become a vibrant anchor for surrounding neighbourhoods, with planning informed by mapping services and engaging schools, residents, and local businesses.
- Participatory Budget Programme: An initiative that allows residents and associations to propose and vote on local projects, supporting community-led initiatives such as Zasulauks Manufacture Park and the “Under the Bridge” skatepark.
Participants experienced these practices first-hand through visits to neighbourhood centres, residential areas, suburban communities, and local civic projects. The study visit concluded at Vidzeme Market, where partners saw the ongoing regeneration works and discussed its future role in the city.
For the Southern Regional Assembly, the Riga study visit offered valuable lessons on neighbourhood-based planning, community participation, and inclusive regeneration, which will help shape the ongoing work of PROXIMITIES and the development of place-based approaches in Ireland.
